Three Rules for Starting a Business Career after College

Spending the past 7 years interviewing HR execs, recruiters and business owners to learn what it really takes to have a successful career. In the midst of this time I have worked with small to large companies as well as some of the fastest growing companies in the country. I have also interviewed with tons of amazing companies which has helped me to develop an understanding of the interview process and how to develop a successful career. I’m not here to tell you canned answers like many of the career counselors and coaches in the industry. I’m here to give real world knowledge that’s going to prepare you to have a successful transition into a great career. In this article I’m going to focus on three rules to having a successful transition from college to a successful career.


1. Learn the company Lingo

Every organization has their cultural lingo to describe what’s really happening in the organization. As a new college graduate in your first work environment it’s important for you to learn what certain words mean in your organization. When you hear the word “Transitions” from your manager does this mean potential downsizing or is it a term used to describe new development. If you understand the lingo you can prepare for upcoming changes. Most companies don’t openly discuss major changes with any employee. All companies have levels in which certain levels of information can be shared. Knowing these terms in your current work environment can be the difference between you surviving off unemployment or successfully transitioning to another company. Study the lingo in your organization to know where you sit within the company.

 2. Focus on a dream career instead of a dream job

You should focus on developing transferable skills instead of getting a dream job coming out of school. Many people hope to have their dream job coming out of college and I’m not against this but you should be focused on what skills are going to prepare you for a dream career. Focusing on a dream job is a small aspect of your life because jobs come and go but building a career has the ability to last a lifetime. I have had dream jobs coming out of school but what happens if the company downsizes, merges or gets acquired. The skills you develop at your first job out of college should transcend the role itself. This is important because you can bring a better set of skills to your next role.

 3. Your Morals & Ethics Vs. The Company

 I’ve had many interviews where the company hiring manager speaks on “finding the right fit”. I know coming out of college you may believe all companies have great morals but it’s not the case. Starting a new job is exciting but your homework consists of more than company training. You need to be exploring what the company culture is really about. Go out for drinks with some of the colleagues, drink water to stay sharp and ask questions. I went out for drinks with one of my fellow colleagues and what he told me made me glad that I stopped my pursuit to work with them. He told me they placed a lady in a position in which she turned down a full time offer to accept. The company decided to let her go after a week. I knew I didn’t want to take part in ruining people lives with false promises. Study the true morals of the company you plan to work for and make sure you’re both on the same page.

 Many of you plan to graduate soon with hopes to finding a job. If you’re six months away from that date I encourage you start immediately on building connections and starting interviews. If you want to be successful in today’s market you need to develop.